Metro’s Anita Whitfield: Paving the way for equity in public transit
Crossposted from Metro Matters As Metro’s EEO/Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Anita Whitfield has been breaking down barriers and instilling a shared sense of responsibility for promoting equity and social justice. Whitfield has worked to create a culture where employees feel safe to have difficult discussions about historical and current inequities. She’s led training for many employees (which she calls “shared learning opportunities”), and played an instrumental role in shaping a vision for making Metro and King County government more equitable for all employees and residents. Whitfield recently was honored by the Puget… Read More
Meet a “do-it-all” nurse, with a special passion for social justice
Crossposted from Public Health Insider Last week for National Public Health Week (April 3-7), the Public Health Insider featured unsung public health heroes who make our communities safer and healthier. Each day, they highlighted a public health worker through their own words, sharing their work and why they’re committed to serving our community. Tina Maestas, who serves as a Public Health Nurse based in Renton, is one of seven Public Health Nurses whose office is located inside a “CSO” – a state office where people can apply for assistance with cash, food, child support,… Read More
Employees redefine respect and cultural understanding, use KC eLearning as added resource
There’s strength in diversity. Different perspectives bring new insights, benefits and relationships. They can also bring challenges. A team of translators at King County Elections experienced this, and decided to overcome it, with great success. “They come from four different countries and each one speaks a different language,” said Elections Supervisor Jacque Larrainzar. “Each of them has a different culture and way of looking at the world.” The interpreters have backgrounds from Mexico, Korea, Vietnam and China. At a recent staff meeting, these differences became more apparent when Jacque asked her team… Read More
Prosecutor and District Court launch ESJ teams
Agencies across King County are stepping up to help implement the Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Strategic Plan. Most recently, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and District Court launched ESJ committees to further the goal of using ESJ values to guide King County’s operations, programs and service delivery. In February, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO) formally launched its inaugural Equity and Social Justice Team. With representatives from all divisions, the team focuses on: Providing training opportunities and equity-related events Documenting and measuring the equity and social justice work already being done in the… Read More
Public Defense, Kent School District establish Criminal Justice high school course
A new, one-day civics course on the criminal justice system was introduced to high school seniors throughout the city of Kent last semester. The course was launched by the County’s Department of Public Defense Misdemeanor Practice Director Twyla Carter and the Kent School District. All five Kent high schools participated, including Kent-Meridian – Washington’s most diverse high school. “The first Civics Day events at all the high schools in the Kent School District was a huge success,” said Michael Papritz, Kentridge High School Social Studies teacher, co-curricular leader, and school district project… Read More
Another successful year for King County’s Annual Transition Resource Fairs
Shared from the DCHS Touching Base Newsletter The Department of Community and Humans Services’ Developmental Disabilities Division (DDD) sponsored its 10th Annual Transition Resource Fairs on March 11 and March 14 this year. With growing turnout each year, the popular fairs provide information for youth with developmental disabilities and their families to help them prepare for the student’s successful transition from high school to adult living. The Transition Resource Fairs took place on March 11 at Highline College and March 14 at Microsoft, drawing more than 1,650 people out to the two events!… Read More
Why King County is leading with racial justice
Yesterday King County Executive Dow Constantine announced that King County is prioritizing racial justice in our work and the implementation of our Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Strategic Plan. We all benefit from having an equitable and just society where everyone has a fair shot at success and is able to contribute, where no one is held back because of the color of their skin. The Office of Equity and Social Justice has put together a short Q&A to answer some questions that you may have. Why is King County focusing on… Read More
Profiling amazing women working throughout King County: Diane Gimenez, Utility Laborer, King County Metro
Diane Gimenez, Utility Laborer, King County Metro How did you get your start in utilities? I started with Metro back in June 1995. When I started I was a maintenance worker, and then I moved to become a utility laborer in 1998. I took the job because it looked like it would be challenging. You were outdoors and I liked working outside. Then in 1998 I put in an application to get my CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). It was a good opportunity to move up and get another position within the County. Do… Read More
Getting creative: Local 17 supervisor uses visual mapping to engage employees in the decision-making process
This article original appeared in the PTE Local 17 Insight Magazine. We have been given approval from L17 to use this article. When Local 17 member Keith Siebler started working at the Auburn Public Health in King County nearly five years ago, he encountered a few conflict situations between employees. And while it’s not unusual for supervisors to manage conflict, Siebler wanted to come up with a creative and productive way to address some longstanding issues. As a Public Health Administrative Support Supervisor (PHASS), Siebler supervises Administrative Support staff and is in… Read More
A promising local solution to ensure a fair shot at local jobs
Crossposted from Best Starts for Kids Blog Earlier this month, staff from King County’s Natural Resources and Parks were busy getting ready for the upcoming spring and summer season when Pacific Northwesterners experience our parks in full force. This time of year also marks hiring for important jobs to ensure our parks are ready for the season. This hiring event took place at the local community center in White Center. The event is part of a purposeful effort to address the growing disparities we see in our region between those that have opportunities to… Read More
Employee News 